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Research Group

Astronautics Group

James Web telescope in space with earth on the bottom right.

Our group covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research in space physics and spacecraft engineering.

Part of Engineering

About

Our members are active in both theoretical modelling and physical experimentation and are supported by a wide range of computational and experimental facilities.

Particular areas of expertise include:

  • space environment
  • remote sensing
  • spacecraft structures
  • space systems engineering
  • artificial intelligence, spacecraft autonomy and control


We have industry partnerships with:

And we have been sponsored by the:

We have also been a leading centre for the training of professional engineers in the worldwide space sector and associated industries since 1974.

Research highlights

Professor Hugh Lewis sitting on the front bench of a lecture theatre as he consults his laptop. A graphic of satellites orbiting Earth is projected on the screen behind him.

Sustainability at astronomical levels

Engineering
Environment, sustainability and clean growth
Space
A space research collaboration between the University and Astroscale UK Ltd has made considerable progress towards a safe and sustainable orbital environment.

Enhancing astronaut health and helping physiotherapists consult during COVID

Health and wellbeing
Space
Health researchers share their insights to support both astronauts in space and people on Earth.
Read more

People, projects and publications

People

Doctor Alexander Wittig

Associate Professor

Connect with Alexander

Email: a.wittig@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF (View in Google Maps)

ORCID

Doctor Charlie Ryan

Associate Professor

Connect with Charlie

Email: c.n.ryan@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF (View in Google Maps)

Doctor Hanna Sykulska-Lawrence

Lecturer in Astronautics

Connect with Hanna

Email: h.m.sykulska-lawrence@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF (View in Google Maps)

Professor Hugh Lewis

Professor of Astronautics

Connect with Hugh

Email: h.g.lewis@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF (View in Google Maps)

ORCID
Twitter

Doctor Minkwan Kim

Associate Professor

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Minkwan

Email: m.k.kim@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF (View in Google Maps)

ORCID
LinkedIn

Doctor Nazli Turan

Research Fellow

Connect with Nazli

Doctor Nina Vaidya

Lecturer in Astronautics & S/craft Eng

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Nina

Email: n.vaidya@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF (View in Google Maps)

ORCID

Doctor Scott Walker

Associate Professor

Connect with Scott

Email: sjiw@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF (View in Google Maps)

Doctor Xin Tang PhD

Research Fellow

Connect with Xin

Email: x.tang@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF (View in Google Maps)

My research falls into 3 main areas: space debris, near-Earth objects and remote sensing.
Professor Hugh Lewis
Professor of Astronautics
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